Chapter 1414
Chapter 1414 - 1410: Disclosure
1,492 words
•
8 min read
After the initial flurry of activity, certain things naturally fell into place.
The newly recruited team members were quite capable, which allowed Lu Ping’an to relax significantly, giving him more free time to tend to his matters, only...
"Little Lu, are you not worried about something going wrong by letting go like this?"
Qian Shu’en, the "young" deputy mayor from the Ancient City, sighed and put down the industrial planning report he was holding.
He and his people, that is, the administrative team Lu Ping’an now employed.
"I can’t think of any reason something would go wrong... Haha, since you’ve got nothing better to do, Mr. Qian, why not help me out more?"
Mayor Qian and a group of officials from the Ancient City, were probably the most special... They did indeed have the status of Eastern Country officials, but in many ways, they were more inclined towards Lu Ping’an personally, even to the extent of being considered his "parents’ home."
The difference between the two world lines became evident here. Although both were Eastern Country officials, viewing them as two separate entities posed no problem whatsoever. This time, each came with their own investment priorities.
But unlike Wanjing, which had vast family enterprises, the Ancient City had limited assets; initially establishing the Development Zone nearly drained them. It had begun to yield returns over the past two years... Although it brought many social issues and hidden safety concerns, the exponential growth in economic output and tax revenue significantly enriched the city.
In this era, returns equaled power equaled safety, and also meant a larger living space and higher population capacity. Nowadays, Ancient City ranked among the top in its State.
"Heh, then we should be thanking you, shouldn’t we?"
Having grown accustomed to each other, Mr. Qian knew that Lu Ping’an was easy to deal with and spoke frankly.
The entire inspection team, now recruited by Lu Ping’an, helped handle various administrative tasks and documents, particularly in legislation (in this world, there were no administrative regulations, only laws). These senior legal experts were of great assistance.
"Of course, aren’t you here to assess the local potential and determine investment targets? Moreover, where else could you find someone who understands the local situation better than here?"
"...That’s true." Old Qian chuckled wryly, conceding the point.
𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂
Both were Eastern Country officials, both had traveled great distances to invest. The goals and processes of Wanjing and Ancient City were entirely different.
Wanjing deployed a state-owned enterprise brigade, various industries swooped in, supported by military forces and high-tier combat power... As a national strategy, there was no reason to hesitate before facing setbacks.
In a sense, Lu Ping’an was an "assistant," only able to offer help, not obstruct.
Whereas Ancient City, to put it bluntly and somewhat crudely... came to cling to Lu Ping’an’s coattails!
"Do you have any industries in mind that you would like to invest in?"
"Shipbuilding is definite, and I was somewhat interested in food, but to be honest, we can’t compete with Wanjing there. I’d like to try entertainment, but that would require your support..."
Mayor Qian hesitated, but he had to speak up when necessary. After all, this wasn’t for his own benefit, but for Ancient City’s.
Some issues were never made explicitly clear (and couldn’t be), but both sides understood... Ancient City’s investments were for profit, but also as a "backup plan."
If they could win the Plane War, there was a good chance this world would outlive Earth (having lower Contamination levels and more stable Order). Lu Ping’an’s suggestion was to create "New Ancient Town" and facilitate some migration.
This was a forward base... In a worst-case scenario, it meant not being stuck without options.
Just like when Wang Xier and her people hadn’t fully relocated before the Development Zone was established... You need to address the employment needs of the migrants if you want them to move.
The first batch of industries invested in by Ancient City were not just after profit, but also the employment opportunities and Safe zones the industries could create.
Lu Ping’an had them handle his affairs, partly to introduce them to the local situation (opening up all intelligence directly), and partly to urge them to make swift decisions.
"Indeed, it’s a region with great potential, but unlike Wanjing with its vast wealth and strong Qi, they can directly bring in a large number of enterprises and military forces; not minding a lack of profits for the first few years.... We need to bring back the intelligence before we can make decisions. However, personally speaking...."
Mayor Qian laughed out.
"You young people are so sincere, it’s always a good thing however you look at it, I reckon they basically won’t be able to refuse."
Lu Ping’an also smiled; he knew that was the case... Who would refuse benefits handed to them on a platter? Even if it meant dispatching five hundred people to hold the fort, the rent could be steadily collected.
But on his side, there really was too much "spare capacity", who to favor seem all the same, why not favor the hometown folks.
"However, personally, I still want to know your reason, no matter how I look at it, it seems like we’re taking advantage of you..."
Lu Ping’an toyed with his pen, thought for a moment, and still chose to speak.
"My parents have adjusted their health quite well, they should have many good years ahead; the old folk always cling to the past, if they really have to leave their hometown, it would be best to bring the neighbors along."
Such an answer made Mayor Qian also stunned.
"Just this...."
"Isn’t this enough?"
"Indeed...."
What Lu Ping’an wanted to move was not just the neighbors... If there really was a chance in the Exotic Realm, why not move the hometown over and create the most suitable living environment for the Ancient City people?
New Ancient Town, just the name of this region; Lu Ping’an had never hidden his intentions...
"Then aren’t you worried about the Territory... ah, it’s a bit out of line for me to say this; our side is alright, after all, we truly cannot produce a Quasi-God, but Wanjing on the other hand...."
Hearing this, Lu Ping’an touched his nose and also felt a bit at a loss for words.
Political matters are always sensitive and realistic.
This statement actually bore a provocative undertone. While the Ancient City side was still gathering intelligence and preparing investment directions, Wanjing had already begun to flourish, producing news and new profit points every day.
Once someone has taken a share, it is unrealistic to expect them to give it back.
Lu indeed had shares in those shops, but only partial rights to the profits; the main control over operations, the lion’s share of the profits, and even employment rights were all in the hands of Wanjing.
When the time comes and all the businesses on your Territory are owned by others, it would be quite hard to say whose Territory it really is.
After pondering for a while, Lu Ping’an responded... he knew that the other party was asking not only about his attitude toward Wanjing but also about the "outsiders" from the Eastern Country as a whole.
He really had to give a clear answer; otherwise, even with Mayor Qian’s position, he would not confidently make a large investment.
"For the current me, getting this place up and running is the top priority. I only care if local industries can rise up and become a new commercial capital. As for who earns the main profits in the short term... even in the medium term, I don’t mind."
Looking from Lu Ping’an’s perspective, it was just this simple reasoning. If you don’t let others earn your initial profits, why should they invest heavily? Moreover, this actually isn’t the main point...
"You can see, can’t you? My Rule is ’trade’, and my Territory is the execution ground for my Rule. Its prosperity will bring me even greater benefits. Actually, as of now, I am also considering the Ascension process. In fact, my team has already fully started. If nothing goes wrong, the first Deity from our team, heh, an Easterner from the Ancient City, will become the first Newborn God in this world."
The first half of the sentence was true, so was the second half; when combined... well, at least for now, Mayor Qian hearing this good news was immediately overjoyed.
"So soon?! That’s unbelievable!"
A Newborn God of Ancient City origin in an Earthly Divine Kingdom? Instantly, Mayor Qian saw a bright future and started to contemplate increasing the investment.
— End of Chapter 1414 —